Trump Makes 2nd Deportation Flight
A second flight carrying Iranians deported from the United States has departed American soil, Iranian officials confirmed this week — a direct result of President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to enforce immigration laws and remove foreign nationals who violated U.S. regulations.
The operation unfolds amid escalating tensions with Iran following Tehran’s 12-day war with Israel and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. As the Islamic Republic intensifies its crackdown on dissidents and ramps up executions at levels not seen in decades, human-rights groups abroad warn that returning migrants could face severe punishment under Iran’s ruling theocracy.
Iran’s state-run Mizan news outlet reported Monday that Foreign Ministry official Mojtaba Shasti Karimi acknowledged the deportation of 55 Iranians from the U.S. Karimi claimed these individuals “chose to return” due to what he described as America’s firm immigration stance — particularly toward Iranian nationals.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei also confirmed plans for 55 Iranians to reenter the country, noting that U.S. officials cited “legal violations” and immigration breaches as the grounds for repatriation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) declined to discuss operational specifics, citing security protocols, but emphasized that removal flights occur “every day” as part of President Trump’s broader commitment to restoring law, order, and border integrity.
A Sharp Break from Decades of U.S. Policy Toward Iranian Migrants
The deportations underscore a major shift in America’s handling of Iranian nationals. For decades, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the United States provided refuge to Iranians fleeing religious persecution, political oppression, and threats from the regime’s intelligence services.
Under President Trump, however, immigration violations — regardless of country of origin — are no longer overlooked. Iranian officials previously suggested that as many as 400 Iranians could ultimately be returned under the administration’s enforcement strategy. The first deportation flight landed in Tehran earlier this fall.
Iran insists only those with criminal charges will face prosecution, yet the regime has a long history of detaining individuals with Western ties. Tehran has repeatedly arrested dual citizens, academics, and business leaders to use as bargaining chips in negotiations and prisoner swaps.
Adding to the concern, U.S. federal prosecutors have accused the Iranian government of hiring operatives to target dissidents on American soil — a reminder of the national-security risks posed by the regime’s global reach.
A Clear Message from President Trump: U.S. Immigration Laws Will Be Enforced
The latest deportation flight reinforces a core pillar of the Trump administration: If you violate America’s immigration laws, you will be removed — even if your home country is at odds with the United States.
As Washington’s standoff with Tehran continues, the administration’s firm stance on immigration sends a powerful message to allies and adversaries alike: America is prioritizing national security, rule of law, and the safety of its citizens.
